DANIDA

Strengthening Farmers’ IPM in Pesticide-Intensive Areas

Newsletter about activities and progress of 

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24-28 March 2003

 

 

 

Pomelo growers receive training on health hazards of pesticides

15 Pomelo growers in Phitchit received a one-week training course on the health hazards of pesticides. This training follows the same program as earlier courses that were organized for mango growers (Noenmaprong village) and vegetable growers (Kanchanaburi). 

For more information on this training program see: Pesticide-health survey 

During the training the farmers learn how to conduct pesticide-health surveys, which will help them to identify problems in their own community and to find ways of reducing the risks. 

 
Farmers and trainers together are compiling data on the volume of pesticides used each year in their farms. They also calculate how many days per year they are exposed to these toxic chemicals.

 

The training includes going to the field and observing how other farmers are spraying their crops. These observations are then discussed to identify possibilities to reduce the risks. 

 
Another point of discussion during the training is the disposal of empty pesticide containers. 

 
An activity where the participants build a model of a farm and indicate where pesticides are stored. Following this they discuss the safety of storage for children, farm animals, food, and drinking water.

 
Farmers are enjoying the practical and participatory training methods used. Learning in this way is fun.